Kissing Vicious

by Brooklyn Ann

  Applause broke out among their audience. Kinley’s face burned at the scrutiny but she didn’t let go of Quinn. When he broke the embrace, he took her hand and led her over to the rest of the band so they could depart.

  “Whore,” Phil whispered as they passed him.

  Revulsion curdled her in gut at the word. But it was quickly banished when Quinn hugged Kinley from behind. “Let’s head to the bus early, before anyone else shows up. Then maybe we can…” He nipped her ear playfully.

  Immediate arousal pooled between her thighs as Kinley leaned back against his warm, solid form. In that moment, all of her worries and insecurities swept away like nocturnal insects fleeing the dawn.

  Here, in Quinn’s arms, she gave herself up to the pleasure of the moment. Now was all that mattered. Taking his hand, she allowed him to lead her outside to the bus, thinking only of his hands on her body.

  When Kinley and Quinn entered the bus, they couldn’t hold back frustrated groans at the sight of the sound techs playing cards. No privacy for them tonight.

  The rest of the guys arrived shortly afterward and they set off on the road to the next city. As they cracked open beers and recapped the gig, Quinn put his arm around her and pulled her close, refusing to let her go.

  His determined stare dared the other guys to criticize their now-public relationship. Kinley pressed closer to him, taking comfort in his strength as she surveyed the band and road crew.

  Copies of Rocktalk were passed around as they all checked various rock websites for the public’s reaction to the article. Kinley cringed at the accusation that Quinn had kicked Curt out of the band and hired her because she was his girlfriend. Even worse were the predictions that she’d cause the band to break up.

  “Oh fuck, this is a disaster,” she groaned. “Maybe you guys should just find someone else.”

  “That would be a terrible move,” Gaffer said, looking up from his laptop. “Even bad publicity is good publicity. Ticket sales have gone up. Hell, the next three gigs are sold out.”

  Brand’s frown faded at such good news. “Sweet!”

  “And check this out.” Quinn handed Tony his phone. “A lot of sites are praising our progressiveness in hiring a woman guitarist. Our female fans are over the moon.”

  Brand took the phone from the drummer and scrolled down the comments. He snorted suddenly. “And some of them are calling you two ‘Quinnley.’”

  “Oh God.” Kinley pretended to gag. “That’s disgusting.”

  Tony laughed. “Aw, c’mon. It’s cute.”

  “Shut up.” Quinn snatched his phone back and turned back to Kinley. “You see? Everything’s going to be fine.”

  Maybe everything will work out after all, her heart dared to believe. As added proof, once she and Quinn went to bed, he held her all night long, stroking her back until she finally fell asleep.

  ***

  By the time they reached Atlanta, sexual tension hung so thick in the air she nearly sobbed in relief when the bus reached the hotel.

  Thunder rumbled above gathering dark clouds as they crossed the hotel parking lot. Quinn’s face lit up in euphoric joy. “I love summer storms.” Grabbing her bag, he started to jog. “Come on, Kinley. I don’t want to miss it!”

  Caught up in his enthusiasm, she chased him into the hotel. Once they reached their room, he threw down the bags, seized her hand, and pulled her back out again. In the elevator the boyish grin on his face made her heart turn over. Gripping her hand, Quinn raced through the lobby and straight out the door, past perplexed guests and hopeful fans.

  Immediately she could smell the ozone of the forthcoming storm as the distant rumble of thunder vibrated in her ears. A gentle rain fell along with the accelerating breeze.

  “This way!” He led her into a little park next to the hotel. Due to the rain, the picturesque place was abandoned, bringing an intimate atmosphere full of promise.

  Releasing her hand, Quinn spread his arms, leaned back, and closed his eyes. His body appeared to soak in the thunder, lightning, and rain like a divine elixir. “Isn’t this awesome?”

  “Yes.” Awestruck at his unabashed joy, she could hardly manage to speak.

  Suddenly, the boyish expression left his face to be replaced by a naughty gleam in his eyes as he studied a secluded grove of trees. They were beautiful trees, creating a canopy of outstretched branches covered in crimson flowers.

  Quinn bent down and licked her earlobe, whispering, “Have you ever made love in the rain, Kinley?”

  “No.” Desire pulsed between her thighs, warring with caution. “What if someone sees?”

  In answer, he claimed her lips in a ruthless, devouring kiss that left her gasping. “Then they’ll get one hell of a show.”

  Desire winning out, Kinley took his hand and followed him under the canopy of trees. Tangling her fingers in his wet hair, she pulled him down for another kiss. The taste of his lips mingled with the warm rain. Thunder rumbled closer, resonating through her body, invoking something primitive deep in her soul. Lightning flashed in his eyes, making him look savage.

  Carefully, he peeled off her wet shirt and unhooked her bra. With a wicked smile he bent down and licked the rain from her breasts. The thunder echoed his low growl; the lighting illuminated his face. His eyes closed in sensual bliss as his mouth closed over her nipple. He licked and sucked each one in turn until they were puckered and swollen.

  Kinley moaned and reached for his shirt, tugging at the sodden cloth, knuckles grazing his hot, hard stomach. With a knowing laugh, he pulled the drenched shirt over his head. Her heart thudded at the sight of his breathtaking physique.

  Rivulets of water trickled down his broad chest and heavily muscled abs. Her hands splayed across that magnificent expanse, caressing every inch. Hungrily, she licked the rain off his silken skin, making him chuckle as her tongue swept across the line of muscle above his hip.

  “Hey, that tickles.” His laughter didn’t match the feral hunger in his eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” she murmured, not in the least apologetic as she unbuttoned his jeans.

  Quinn cursed as he worked the wet denim down his hips, releasing his massive cock. Kinley returned his wicked smile and sank to her knees. Her hands gripped the base of his shaft as her mouth closed over his length. His breath hitched as her tongue circled his swollen head.

  His hands gripped her hair, firmly guiding, yet not forcing her ministrations. For some reason, the hint of gentle force made Kinley wetter. Her cunt throbbed with heat as she took him even deeper into her mouth. He was too large for her to deep throat, so she compensated by undulating her tongue against the sensitive flesh at the juncture between the top of his shaft and the ridges around the head of his cock.

  Quinn groaned. “You’re going to make me come if you keep this up.”

  He seized her arms and pulled her up. Immediately his hands dove down to unfasten her jeans. His fingers slipped down past the soaked fabric of her panties, playing across her slick labia, circling her clit until she was writhing.

  “Please, Quinn,” she gasped, out of her mind with need. “I need you to fuck me.”

  He arched a brow and slowly withdrew, pressing his finger on her throbbing clit one last time. “Then we’d better get naked.”

  There was a moment of awkwardness as they struggled to take off their boots and damp jeans. Kinley cursed as her feet slipped in the grass and she nearly fell on her ass in the wet grass. Laughing, she regained her balance. For a moment, she shivered despite the warm rain. She’d never been naked outside before.

  With a low chuckle, Quinn approached her, literally a walking wet dream. All of her misgivings fled. She sucked in a breath, mute at the sight of his lean muscled body enveloped in the muted sunlight. Gently, he moved her hands away, green eyes raking her body.

  “You are so goddamned beautiful.” His mouth dipped down, tongue slipping between her lips to dance with hers. Breaking away the kiss, he commanded, “Hold on to me.” His hands slid d
own to cup her ass as he lifted her.

  Kinley gasped and wrapped her legs around his hips, whimpering with raw need as the tip of his cock teased her entrance. In one harsh deep thrust, he plunged inside her wet heat. She couldn’t hold back her moan. Clinging to his shoulders, she gyrated her hips, guiding him deeper, making him touch her most secret places. His hard length permeated her awareness, the sensation of fullness and sexual completion overtaking her consciousness until she was so dizzy with ecstasy that her grip slid on his wet shoulders. Kinley reached up to grasp the tree branches.

  His hips arched, penetrating her deeper. They simultaneously gasped in pleasure at the new leverage. Kinley cried out, feeling all of him inside her. The head of his cock found a throbbing place she’d never known existed, stoking an unprecedented fire within as the base of his shaft slid across her clit.

  Her orgasm struck in tandem with a bolt of lightning, reverberating through her along with the thunder. Quinn growled as his cock pulsed inside her with his own climax, their bodies joining and transcending the storm.

  Fingers numb, Kinley released the tree, gasping as euphoria hazed her consciousness. Quinn held her, panting as he gently lowered her to her feet. “Oh my God,” she gasped, awestruck at the phenomenon they’d shared. “I lo—” She clamped her mouth shut, feeling like she was just struck with a hammer.

  “Hmm?” he inquired drowsily.

  “We better head back. Getting back into these wet clothes is gonna be a bitch.”

  Donning her panties and struggling back into her soaked jeans, Kinley’s heart threatened to pound itself out of her chest at the realization of what she’d almost said. I’m in love with Quinn Mayne. I’m so screwed.

  Chapter Twenty

  Quinn reluctantly pulled away from Kinley’s warm embrace as the alarm clock went off too damn early for his tastes. It couldn’t be helped. They had to get back in the bus in an hour if they hoped to make it on time to the next gig.

  “Ungh…” Kinley groaned beside him.

  He nodded sympathetically and climbed out of bed. “I know, but if you get up now we’ll have time for a quickie in the shower. It’ll be our last chance for a couple days.”

  “Oh.” Her voice was low and sultry, and far more awake. “When you put it that way…”

  An hour later, they met the band and crew in the lobby. Phil, of all people, approached them with a small smile and a cardboard drink carrier. “The hotel coffee sucks, so I made a run and got us something better.”

  “Thanks.” Quinn tried to hide his surprise as he reached for a warm cup. Maybe Phil had finally gotten over his issues with Kinley.

  “No!” Phil yanked the cup back, hissing as a few drops of hot liquid splattered on the back of his hand. “That one’s for Kinley.” His tone softened as he smiled and winked. “All the girls like chocolate, you know.”

  “Ah, okay.” Understanding dawned. He must be trying to get on her good side in an attempt to keep his job. Good luck with that, he added silently and took the other cup.

  Kinley raised a brow and took her coffee. “Um, thanks,” she muttered brusquely.

  Apparently she’d arrived at the same conclusion. Still, she was polite enough to sip the drink and waited until he walked away before she grimaced.

  “I don’t know what he ordered, but this isn’t much better than what we got here. But at least it’s caffeinated.” She gave him a drowsy smile that made him want to pull her back in his arms. “And I definitely need a lot after last night.”

  Quinn chuckled and brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “Sorry I kept you up all night. But you can sleep on the bus.”

  “No, I gotta work. I’m slacking on the site.” She took another big sip of coffee, mouth twisting in disgust at its flavor.

  He shook his head but didn’t protest. He’d learned quickly that if he let her get her work done without interruptions, she’d be more receptive to his advances afterward. Taking a sip of his own drink, he also grimaced. The coffee tasted like it had been brewed last night and left on the burner until morning.

  “Maybe I should ask Gaffer to lay off of Phil. He seems to be over his bitch-fit,” Quinn whispered as they got back in the bus.

  Kinley smirked as she unpacked her laptop. “If he can be trusted not to fuck up my gear the second he thinks the heat’s off him.”

  Exchanging glances of mutual suffering, they finished their beverages. Quinn lit a cigarette, hoping to mask the acrid flavor of burnt coffee beans.

  A half hour later, Kinley closed her eyes and rubbed her temples.

  “You okay?” he asked, feeling a pang of guilt for keeping her up so late last night. They didn’t get enough rest as it was.

  She nodded, but winced at the movement. “I’m getting a bastard of a headache. Do one of you have a Tylenol or something?”

  Tony tossed her a bottle of Aleve. “Damn, you better lie down, Kin. You don’t look so good.”

  Quinn looked at her again. Her face was flushed and her hands shook as she fumbled with the medicine bottle. Alarm clenched his heart as her breath came in unnaturally shallow, hitching gasps.

  As if in answer, her brown eyes met his, wide with panic. Her pupils were dilated. “Something’s wrong. I don’t feel good.”

  With growing worry, he placed a hand on her forehead. “Oh my God, you’re burning up.” He turned and called up to the driver. “Where’s the nearest hospital?”

  “No clue,” the driver yelled back.

  “Quinn?” Kinley whimpered, voice beginning to slur. “My heart won’t quit jumping and I keep seeing shadows.”

  She was shaking hard enough to vibrate the bunk. Her laptop slid and they both reached for it. As his hand steadied her wrist he felt her pulse thrumming in the rapid pace of a butterfly’s wings. “Holy shit.” His own pulse froze. “Call an ambulance!”

  “But the gig,” someone protested.

  “Fuck the gig!” Quinn roared, his panic rising. “Pull over and call an ambulance. Now!”

  “Already on it,” Gaffer shouted back, phone in hand. “What do you think is wrong with her?”

  Terror clawed his throat as he took her into his arms, her feverish skin burning through his shirt. “I don’t know.”

  The bus pulled over at the next cross street and Gaffer gave the 911 dispatcher directions. Kinley thrashed in Quinn’s arms, muttering unintelligibly. She felt like a hot, vibrating coal, but he didn’t dare let her go.

  “Somebody make me an icepack!” he ordered.

  Brand raided the cooler and filled a plastic bag. Quinn took it gratefully and pressed the ice to Kinley’s blazing forehead. She made a small sound of relief, but her tremors continued.

  After an agonizing eternity, the welcome sound of approaching sirens reached his ears. Band and crew cleared out of the way as the paramedics boarded the bus.

  The medics ripped Kinley from Quinn’s arms, poking and prodding her with their devices while muttering back and forth in garbled medical speak. “Heart rate’s one-sixty. Fever is a hundred and four.”

  Two more came in, carrying a portable gurney.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Quinn demanded, hating his helplessness.

  One of them eyed him with frigid scorn. “What did she take and how much?”

  Quinn frowned in confusion. Did they think she was high? “I don’t know what you’re talking about. She didn’t take anything.” Something flickered at his consciousness, but before he could grasp the thought, Kinley whimpered again, blotting out his mind with a fresh flood of panic.

  The EMT shook his head. “Sir, lying to us isn’t going to help her. I’m telling you, with her accelerated heart rate and dilated pupils, this woman is exhibiting all of the signs of a drug overdose. She could die if you don’t answer honestly. We need to know what she took so we can determine the proper treatment.”

  “I am being honest with you.” Quinn bit back a snarl. Why were these idiots wasting time? They needed to quit interrogating him and help her. “Kin
ley doesn’t do drugs. She doesn’t even smoke weed.”

  Phil approached the EMT, his eyes wide. “D-did you say she c-could die?”

  The man rounded on him. “Do you know anything?”

  The roadie’s lower lip trembled. Unbelievably, he started to cry. “I didn’t mean to hurt her! I only gave her a little bit.”

  “What did you give her?” Gaffer growled.

  Quinn froze. The coffee Phil got especially for Kinley. Phil had freaked out when Quinn almost drank it. He choked back a gasp in dawning horror. “What the hell did you put in her coffee?”

  “Meth,” Phil sobbed. “I only wanted to give her enough that she’d be too messed up to play the show, so I could have a chance.” He ground the tears from his eyes with a shaking fist. “It should have been me, damn it. I was your guitar tech until she came along. It’s my job to step up, not some bitch just because she’s your girlfriend.” His shoulders slumped with a defeated sigh. “But honestly, Quinn, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

  The EMTs looked at each other, nodded, and went back to work on Kinley. Her lashes fluttered against her ashen cheeks. “We gotta bring her in.”

  Quinn lunged forward and slammed his fist into Phil’s face. “You twisted little fuck!”

  “I didn’t mean it,” the roadie wailed. “I didn’t mean it!”

  Blind with fury, Quinn raised his fist to hit Phil again, but Gaffer and Tony pulled him back.

  “We’ll deal with Phil,” Gaffer said. “You take care of Kinley.”

  Quinn’s furious gaze rested one last time on Phil. “If she dies, so do you.”

  If she dies. The thought paralyzed him, tightening his throat until breathing was near impossible.

  The paramedics strapped Kinley to the gurney with brisk efficiency. When they were lifting her up, her body began to twitch and convulse. She babbled in incoherent desperation. A fresh bolt of terror struck him.

  “I’m coming too.” Quinn refused to let her out of his sight. “She’s my girlfriend.”